Good morning, Birdland,

The Orioles actually won a game on Thursday. And they did it while scoring a whopping five runs. Of course, it would have been nice if Seranthony Domínguez had NOT blown the ninth-inning save at all, but it gave the offense another chance. And Anthony Santander hit that apple out of the park with a walk-off home run. Let’s look at the positives and brush aside the negatives.

Everyone loves a walk-off home run! It’s haunting. It feels good. It’s the kind of thing that could maybe spark a run, and the Orioles could really use that. They need to find a way to finish the regular season on a high note if they want a chance at a longer playoff run. This weekend, they have to take on the red-hot Tigers again. A series win would be great, but right now we’re just hoping to avoid sweeps. It’s sad, but it’s also reality.

For those who feel the break between the regular season and the postseason is too long for the top two seeds in each league, perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. The Orioles’ chances of winning the AL East are all but gone. Instead, they’ll likely have to contend with the Wild Card round. And since they have a big enough lead in the standings, the team can organize the pitching staff accordingly to prepare. Whatever these final nine games bring, they should end up with a rested bullpen, Corbin Burnes ready to go in Game 1, and perhaps some reinforcements on offense.

Jordan Westburg began his rehab on Thursday. He had one hit, drove in one run and scored one run while playing second base for the Tides. Who was at third base? Well, that was Ramón Urías. He also began his rehab and had one hit. It looks like they’re both on track to be back on the field soon. That would be quite a boost for an offense that could use a kick in the butt.

Left

Tony’s dramatic walk-off tater provides sweet, sweet relief in Birdland | MLB.com
September has been tough for the Orioles. Winning on Thursday felt good. Now go out and win some more, boys!

Firing Craig Kimbrel was the right decision for the Orioles. It still took courage. | The Baltimore Banner
If he were still there, Kimbrel wouldn’t have been on the postseason roster. He wasn’t good enough. And more importantly, the Orioles actually need to make the playoffs. Kimbrel didn’t help them with that either. They gave him the space to try to fix things. But that didn’t work out. It was time.

Lots of Orioles leftovers for breakfast | Roch Kubatko
Here you can find all kinds of facts and quotes from Roch.

Orioles Birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Steve Lombardozzi Jr. turns 36 today. Lombardozzi, a graduate of Atholton High School in Columbia, Maryland, played 20 games for the Orioles in 2014.
• David Gallagher is 64 today. The outfielder played 23 games for the Birds in the 1990 season.
• The late Rory Harrison (born 1946, died 2023) was born on this day. His career in the major leagues began in 1972 with the Orioles. That season he played in 39 games as a pitcher – mostly as a substitute.

This day in O’s story

1958 – In his eighth start for the Orioles, knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm beats the Yankees 1-0 at Memorial Stadium, throwing a no-hitter. Gus Triandos hits a solo home run for the O’s only run.

1998 – Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak of consecutive games played ends at 2,632 when he retires from the lineup. The streak had lasted more than 16 years and began on May 30, 1982.

2002 – Mike Bordick plays his 102nd consecutive game as shortstop without making an error, an MLB record.